I was disappointed in many aspects of Jack Schneider's Feb. 1 commentary ("No magic solution for schools"), which described Teach For America as aspiring to eliminate the achievement gap single-handedly. As the executive director at Charter School Partners, I work very closely with Teach For America-Twin Cities and deeply respect the work to increase the number of effective, committed teachers and lifelong education leaders in our region.

In our city's highest-need classrooms, the organization's teachers are making a measurable difference, and alumni such as Shannon Blankenship, who serves as the executive director of Hiawatha Academies, are taking on critical leadership roles in our community.

Hiawatha Leadership Academy is one of the highest-performing schools in Minneapolis serving predominantly minority students. Both Teach For America and I know that the organization alone is not a silver bullet, which is why there is a commitment to working in collaboration with community members to change the fundamental conditions that contribute to the educational achievement gap between children growing up in poverty and their more affluent peers.

The members of the Teach For America network -- through the experience gained in the classroom -- are united in the belief that all children, regardless of their zip code or family income, can achieve at the highest levels. Schneider dismisses this belief, but I believe it is fundamental to closing the achievement gap. The 18,000 TFA alumni who continue to work full time in education are integral leaders and advocates in fostering truly excellent educational opportunities for our low-income students.

To change the educational and life trajectories for the students who need our support the most, we must work in concert to give our children the opportunity to fulfill their potential. I'm proud to be a partner with Teach For America and the many others invested in these critical efforts.

AL FAN

The writer is executive director of Charter School Partners.